AS the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) marks its milestone 10th anniversary, stakeholders gather to reflect on a decade of gains and challenges since its signing. The historic pact, inked on March 27, 2014, concluded arduous peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) during the Aquino III administration, ushering in a new era for the Bangsamoro people.
Gus Miclat, executive director of the Initiatives for International Dialogue (IID), encapsulated the sentiments, emphasizing the need to move beyond mere commemoration and celebration. Miclat stressed the imperative of safeguarding the gains of the peace process, echoing sentiments for national unity in building lasting peace with social justice in Mindanao.
The upcoming commemoration, slated at the MILF’s main headquarters in Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao, underscores the significance of the occasion. Various personalities and groups, including IID, deeply entrenched in the peace process, have been invited to partake in the event.
The establishment of the Bangsamoro region in 2019, following the ratification of Republic Act 11054, or the Organic Law for the BARMM, stands as a pivotal outcome of the CAB. However, Miclat reiterated the necessity of granting greater autonomy to the Bangsamoro, underscoring its role in recognizing their just cause and fostering lasting peace in the region.
Despite its lofty objectives, the CAB has encountered hurdles along its journey, marked by major armed conflicts such as the Mamasapano incident in 2015 and the siege of Marawi in 2017. Miclat acknowledged the challenges but emphasized the resilience of civil society in upholding the promise of peace and development enshrined in the agreement.
In a bid to sustain peace efforts, civil society groups launched the “Principles for Peace” (P4P) initiative last year, aimed at setting new standards and mechanisms for long-lasting peace in Mindanao. This framework serves as a diagnostic tool to measure progress in the peace process and fosters genuine dialogue and inclusive participation within communities.
However, with less than two years remaining before the end of the Bangsamoro transition period and the impending 2025 elections, Miclat highlighted pressing challenges facing the region. Internal conflicts among Moro clans and local politicians, alongside reports of regression to corrupt practices, threaten the peace and stability of the autonomous region.
One critical aspect yet to be fully realized is the Transitional Justice-Dealing with the Past (TJ-DWP) provision of the CAB, aimed at addressing historical grievances and human rights violations. Miclat underscored the urgency of implementing transitional justice mechanisms, particularly in light of the plight of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Marawi.
As the nation navigates towards genuine national healing, Miclat urged the government to commit to establishing clear transitional justice programs, not only for the Bangsamoro but for the entire nation. Embracing the recommendations of the Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) is paramount in delivering lasting peace and addressing the roots of conflict in the region.
Miclat emphasized the collective responsibility in achieving sustainable peace and urged policymakers to uphold their duty to secure a peaceful future for all citizens, underscoring the sacred obligation of every sovereign state. (CBC)
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